Needs Improvement
#974 of 1,036 schools in AR
Sutton Elementary School
Elementary School · FORT SMITH SCHOOL DISTRICT
5001 KELLEY HWY, Fort Smith, AR 72904
Enrollment
416
Student-Teacher
14.9:1
Score
3.8
Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Enrollment
416
Student-Teacher
14.9:1
Score
3.8
Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Arkansas schools
#974 of 1,036
In Fort Smith
#25 of 26
public schools
In district
#25 of 26
FORT SMITH SCHOOL DISTRICT
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Sutton Elementary School
Elementary School in Fort Smith · grades Pre-K – 5th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Dora Kimmons Middle School
0.3 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Union Christian Academy
0.5 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Sutton Elementary School
Sutton Elementary School is a public elementary school in Fort Smith, AR, part of FORT SMITH SCHOOL DISTRICT. Sutton Elementary School serves approximately 416 students, and covers grades Pre-K-5th, and has a 14.9:1 student-teacher ratio. Sutton Elementary School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.8 out of 10 and ranks #974 of 1,036 schools in AR.
Structured state assessment records for Sutton Elementary School show 41% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 41% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
- This school 3.8 · Needs Improvement
- District avg 5.8
- AR avg 6.2
What Parents Should Know
35% of students at Sutton Elementary School were chronically absent in the 2022-23 school year, above the national average. Chronic absenteeism means missing 15 or more school days, and at high rates it drags on classroom pacing for everyone. Ask what the school does to help families get kids to class consistently.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Sutton Elementary School — Students at Sutton Elementary School score 20% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 28%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
87.7%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores AR ATLAS (2024-25)
Based on 37 test records from AR state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↓ DecliningAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.
Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 3.2/10.
How Sutton Elementary School Compares
See how Sutton Elementary School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Programs & Offerings
Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more
Location
5001 KELLEY HWY, Fort Smith, AR 72904
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Sutton Elementary School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. BALLMAN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (rated 7.4/10, 3.1 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is BONNEVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (rated 7.1/10, 3.1 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, EUPER LANE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (rated 6.8/10, 2.9 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Fort Smith, see our Fort Smith schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 3.2 miNeighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 72904 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$40,357
Median Home Value
$108,200
Median Rent
$817/mo
Population
22,627
College Educated
7.4%
Homeownership
49.3%
Avg Commute
17.6 min
Poverty Rate
32.2%
Median Age
32.3
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| KIPP DELTA ELEM LITERACY ACAD Helena, AR | 3.8 |
| LANGSTON ELEMENTARY LEADERSHIP ACADEMY MAGNET SCHOOL Hot Springs, AR | 3.8 |
| THIRTY-FOURTH STREET ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Pine Bluff, AR | 3.8 |
| WALNUT RIDGE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Walnut Ridge, AR | 3.8 |
| FAIRVIEW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Camden, AR | 3.7 |
| M.L. KING ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Little Rock, AR | 3.7 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Sutton Elementary School
What grades does Sutton Elementary School serve?
Sutton Elementary School serves students in grades Pre-K through 5th.
How many students attend Sutton Elementary School?
Sutton Elementary School has an enrollment of approximately 416 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Sutton Elementary School?
The student-teacher ratio at Sutton Elementary School is 14.9:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Sutton Elementary School rank in AR?
Sutton Elementary School ranks #974 of 1,036 schools in AR.
What is Sutton Elementary School's MySchoolScout rating?
Sutton Elementary School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.8 out of 10. This score combines the level-appropriate components shown in the rating breakdown; equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at Sutton Elementary School?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Sutton Elementary School has 41% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 41% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
Is Sutton Elementary School a charter school?
No, Sutton Elementary School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Sutton Elementary School a Title I school?
No, Sutton Elementary School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Sutton Elementary School?
87.7% of students at Sutton Elementary School qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
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Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Pre-K – 5th
- Enrollment
- 416
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 14.9:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 28
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 87.7%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Small City
- County
- Sebastian County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 35.1%
- Phone
- (479) 785-1778
Resources & Links
District
FORT SMITH SCHOOL DISTRICT- District Enrollment
- 14,060
- Schools in District
- 27
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $12,459
- District Rank
- #25 of 26
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